No question: passion flowers are mainly cultivated for their enchanting flowers. In order for these to appear in large numbers and in all their glory, the plant needs a suitable location in addition to the right care.

Passiflora flowers only in the second year

First of all: Very young passion flowers usually do not bloom at all, unless you have purchased the annual Passiflora gracilis. So if you have just bought a new Passiflora and are wondering why there are no flowers: just be patient! The best thing is to treat your plant to a new pot first, after all the plant pot will probably be too small. Make sure, however, that the new plant pot is no larger than 20 to 30 centimeters in diameter, otherwise your passion flower will put more energy into growth and form fewer flowers. Seedlings or cuttings will also flower for the first time in the following year at the earliest, although vegetatively propagated passion flowers are usually faster in this respect.

Rest period stimulates flowering

For lush flowering, the Passiflora needs a dormant period of at least two to three months, which it spends in a bright but cool place. Be stingy with water, although you should never let the roots dry out. During this time there is no fertilization at all. With this dormant phase, you simulate the months of drought that most Passiflora species have to endure in their homeland. Also consider that many representatives of this very species-rich plant family come from tropical or subtropical areas and are therefore not hardy.

Pruning is necessary for vigorous flowering

The flowers also develop only on young, i. H. this year, shoots of Passiflora. For this reason, you must shorten the long side shoots and, if necessary, the leading branches - leave only three to five eyes from which new, flowering branches will develop. The pruning is best done in autumn before moving the plant to its winter quarters.

Fertilize passion flowers regularly

Other reasons for the lack of flowers can also be a lack of water and / or nutrients. Passion flowers are among the heavy consumers, they need a lot of water and regular fertilization, especially during the flowering period between June and September. During the vegetation period, you should provide the Passiflora with a liquid universal or flowering plant fertilizer (€10.47) once a week.

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However, make sure that the fertilizer is not too high in nitrogen, because nitrogen makes the plant lazy to bloom. She will primarily put the fresh energy into growth.

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Vegetable garden